So you thought that Volkswagen’s cheating software soap was finally over? Think again: according to an Advocate General of the European Court of Justice, a certain adjustment of the EGR valve used in diesel cars is also illegal.
The EGR valve returns some of the exhaust gases to the engine to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. In the cars examined in this case, this EGR valve was switched off under certain circumstances, according to Volkswagen to protect the technology.
The EGR valves in question only work at an outside temperature between 15 to 33 degrees and an altitude of less than 1,000 meters. Under circumstances beyond these limits, the cars in question would therefore emit much more nitrogen oxide than promised. Attorney General Rantos argues that the valve is more often than not working as a result. The original indictment, for example, comes from Austria, where rides above 1,000 meters are certainly no exception. The average temperature in a large part of Europe, including Austria and Germany, is well below 15 degrees.
Volkswagen argues that this solution would fall under an exception that allows for shutdown if necessary to protect the engine. However, the opinion notes that in that exception there is a clear distinction between the engine and components that are intended to reduce emissions. According to that distinction, the EGR valve does not belong to the engine and therefore does not qualify for this exception.
The Advocate General’s opinion is not yet a final judgment. The European Court of Justice will now consider the case, but Automotive News Europe notes that such advice is often followed.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl